THE unsung heroes and heroines of Merseyside had their day in the spotlight - thanks to the ECHO's Mersey Marvels Awards.

THE unsung heroes and heroines of Merseyside had their day in the spotlight - thanks to the ECHO's Mersey Marvels Awards.

Our annual ceremony, in conjunction with Birmingham Midshires, honoured 12 outstanding men and women. Although they came from all walks of life and all corners of Merseyside, they had one thing in common - their commitment to helping others.

At a star-studded event at the waterfront Crowne Plaza hotel, all 12 of our guests were wined, dined and presented with a commemorative medal and cheque for #250.

Their stories were told and each given their award by a local celebrity. Stars of stage, screen and the world of sport supported this very special day.

Overall winner was Kyle McTaggart, four, who acts as the ears and voice of his profoundly deaf brother Connor, five. The two lads enjoyed a standing ovation.

Our Community Award went to Caroline Millar, who started a charity to befriend refugees starting new lives in Liverpool.

The International Award went to Simon Taylor, who rescued a drowning man from a swimming pool in Lanzarote.

ECHO editor Mark Dickinson said: "Here on Merseyside, we have long been aware of the very special human qualities that drove so many to act without thought for themselves.

"We are saying a big thank you and a resounding well done to a group of individuals who probably never expected to find themselves in the headlines."

Adele Hoskison, who battled against cerebral palsy to complete her degree course at Lancaster University, summed up the event. The 24-year-old from Gateacre said: "It shows how many amazing, courageous and talented people there are in this city."

Shauny Mitchell, six, who saved the life of her mother after she collapsed with a brain tumour, was on holiday in Lanzarote - but grandad Billy Edge,and cousin Natalia Edge collected her award.

A favourite was Marcella Adams, 74, who battled with a burglar at her Everton home.

Edna and Joe Gilston won our Good Neighbour Award, nominated by their friend Margaret Bolan. And they had an extra treat - a bouquet and a bottle of champagne to help them celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday.

The winners >>>>>>

OVERALL WINNER:>

TWO little boys touched the hearts of ECHO readers - and everyone at the Mersey Marvels Awards.

Connor McTaggart, five, was left profoundly deaf by a haemorrhage. His younger brother Kyle, four, has helped break through his world of silence by creating a special sign language that the two share.

Through Kyle, Connor is able to communicate with the world - and to attend school near his home in Netherton.

Kyle was our overall Mersey Marvel 2001, and won a total of #750, plus #500 for charity.

The boys earned a standing ovation at the ceremony - and were especially delighted with their Everton goodie bags, provided by the club's fan liaison officer, Graeme Sharpe.

Their emotional mum, Julie McTaggart, said: "I can't believe this - we have had a wonderful day. I am overcome with it all."

The boys celebrated after the ceremony with an informal kick-about with their signed Everton football - joined by former Tranmere goalie Eric Nixon.

COMMUNITY WINNER:>

OUR Community Award went to Caroline Millar of Mossley Hill. Caroline met Kosovan refugee Emrush Hajdari when their children started to attend the same school.

Touched by their sense of isolation, she started to learn Albanian - and went on to form her own charity, Cara - Irish for friend - which aims to help refugees in the city.

Caroline won an extra #250 for her charity work. She said: "These people came here with nothing, and gave so much to this community. This money will go to help them."

INTERNATIONAL WINNER:>

FORMER soldier Simon Taylor was on holiday with his family when he performed an act of outstanding bravery.

His daughter, Gemma, spotted a man struggling in the swimming pool of their hotel in Lanzarote. Simon, from Halewood dived straight in to rescue Adrian Fisk.

Adrian had been knocked unconscious and was drowning. He says he is eternally grateful to Simon.

As our International Winner, Simon received a total of #500. He said: "I am absolutely delighted."